International Applicants

International Program at Headwaters

Headwaters School is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant alien students. We have had students come from all over the world to study at Headwaters: China, Germany, South Korea, France, Mexico, Turkey, Vietnam, Greece, Ecuador, Pakistan, Russia, England, and more!

We work with independent international student applicants as well as those represented by an educational placing agency or educational consultant. Headwaters School does not pay commissions to any educational agencies or consultants. In accordance with the guidelines of the IECA (Independent Educational Consultants Association), we expect that all compensation to such consultants is that which has been agreed upon by the agency and the family engaging its services.

Headwaters School is an International Baccalaureate school with a demanding curriculum. We expect that our international students will have sufficient English language proficiency to be successful in mainstream classes in all core subject areas. This means that all international students take standard courses in English, math, science, history and art. Please note that 9th and 10th grade international students are enrolled in an ESL support class in addition to their standard course load. Our classrooms are vibrant spaces that require students and teachers alike to engage in lively discourse. Many class assignments are discussion based and /or writing intensive.

We use a student’s application portfolio to help determine whether or not the student is a good fit for our community. While we have established minimum score requirements for standardized tests of the English Language, these scores are just one piece of the criteria used to evaluate a candidate’s suitability for admission. We require a Skype interview for applicants who are unable to come to visit campus in person.

List of 9 items.

Student’s current Math Teacher & English Teacher fill out online evaluations. The student may also choose to have a Personal Recommendation Form completed. These will be linked to through the application site.

Family pays an Enrollment Fee to hold the student’s space at Headwaters. Family must also provide certification of finances demonstrating sufficient resources to cover tuition, fees and living expenses for the duration of enrollment (minimum $30,000.00 per year)

A few months before school begins, Headwaters issues the student an I-20 Form which allows the student to make an appointment with the American Embassy in his/her country to receive an F-1 Student Visa.

Additional Fees for International Students

In addition to the tuition and fees paid by all Headwaters students, International Students must pay an International Fee of $5,000 per year; this fee is not pro-rated for students who come for less than a year.

International students must have medical coverage during their stay in Austin. If proof of coverage is not provided to Headwaters School by the stated deadline international students will be enrolled in Headwaters School’s preferred health insurance plan and the student will be charged associated fees and program costs.

All Headwaters students must also have a laptop computer or netbook (and appropriate charger) to bring with them to school each day.